1977 Lotus Esprit

Coupe

4 - Cyl.

Manual

77030196H

Gasoline

Just featured in the December 2011 issue of Hemmings Sports and Exotic Car Magazine on the front cover with a 6 page spread. Winter 1972, the Turin Motor show was the first place the world laid eyes on the stunning Giorgetto Giugiaro ItalDesign "Silver Car". Paris Auto Show 1975 the dream became a reality and an almost identical car of the original "Silver Car" was unveiled as a new upmarket Lotus. The new Esprit had styling so advanced and ahead of its time and soon lead way to a new revolution of 70's design icons. The first run of cars were known as the Esprit S1 from 1976 to 1978 and a total of 718 cars were made. I am the fourth owner of this beautiful Series 1 Esprit. Car originally came from Alabama and made its way to AZ in the mid 80's and has been here ever since. I found the car partially stored here in Phoenix and the car needed a complete restoration. Had not beein running since the 90's but was in good shape but all the seals and rubber had dry rotted and cracked. Car shows 20,950 miles. I have the original shop manual and handbook. In addition I have the Lotus heritage Certificate of Authenticity showing a matching numbers car and, verifying it is in fact an original Monaco White on Tartan plaid car and was the 97th Federal Esprit made and the 24th Esprit ever made and the 196th Esprit every made. The car left the production line the 25th of March, 1977 and was invoiced to Lotus West the same day. I have gone through a fairly extensive restoration on the car due to the fact that it had been sitting in the 3rd owners garage for 15 years. I have had the entire interior completely redone in its original Tartan plaid. The materials were purchased from SJ Sports Cars in England (Lotus specialty shop). The interior has been re-trimmed in correct Lotus material as well as most of the exterior pieces on the car. The car does have the Euro bumbers on them and has original Wolfrace wheels with brand new Lotus spec tires. I have done a complete tear down and rebuild of the engine, trans, clutch, brakes and rear suspension. Every hose, every seal, every gasket new engine mounts and every belt (including cam belt) on the engine is brand new. The timing was done just 4 months ago. I have rebuilt the twin Dell'orto carbs and they were tuned to factory spec. Both gas tanks have been removed and chemically sealed and treated, repainted, and placed back in the car. The car has no rust, when the engine was removed, the frame was sanded down and sprayed with rust protectant and the engine was detailed to a very high standard. The car boasts a very clean and detailed engine bay, frame, and undercarriage. The entire rear suspension is brand new using only Lotus factory parts from JAE Lotus cars, adjustable rear dampers, new springs, new bushings, new A arms, and new spring towers. The clutch has been replaced, as well as the fly wheel, the pressure plate, the clutch hose with a stainless steel hose, slave cylinder, and master cylinder. I have replaced the shifter cable and all the bushings in the rear linkage arms, in addition to brand new plugs, wires, cap rotor, and distributor. The car has been changed over to electronic ignition. Compression test was just done and everything ran perfectly. The car runs and sounds absolutely perfect (see attached video). Larger radiator has been put in car to handle AZ heat. All the electrics have been sorted through and everything works and reads correctly. The car has a brand new batter. Rear wood/carpet kit from SJ sports cars were just installed. I just purchased a brand new rear Lotus factory glass for the tailgate and new chrome surround finishers. The Esprit runs and drives beautifully. The passengers windows are a little slow to move up and down. This car is identical to the Bond car in "The Spy Who Loved Me". Only difference is the original was a 76 and right hand drive. Now all that is missing is Barbara Bach in the passenger seat and missile launcher paired with the submarine option. Car is in beautiful shape. Thousands upon thousands of dollars in receipts over the past eight months. She is not perfect, there is a pic listed showing the door frame with a small crack in it (does not go al the way through and does not affect the alignment of the door frame to the body) There are a couple small paint flaws on the car, but overall in beautiful shape. All she needs is a new home. I love this car and the only reason I am selling is to move on to a newer Turbo Esprit or V8 Esprit. I want to find someone that is knowledgeable in these cars and will take good car of her. The buyer is responsible for arranging shipping. If you are the winning bidder please make arrangements with your shipping company at your own cost. Please call Scott if you have any further inquiries. 480.310.8814 All international buyers are welcome, please contact me first and please have your own shipping arranged prior. Youtube video of car http://youtu.be/LjL0tCSw4s4